Diagnosis and treatment of verrucous carcinoma of the lip: a case report

Verrucous carcinoma, a variant of squamous cell carcinoma, is notable for its lower aggressiveness; however, it presents considerable diagnostic challenges. This tumor is often misdiagnosed, leading to delays in treatment. We describe the case of an 84-year-old woman with verrucous carcinoma presenting as a warty lesion on the lip. The initial biopsy established a diagnosis of verrucous carcinoma, after which wedge resection with a lateral advancement flap was performed. Although the operation was successful, tumor recurrence was observed at the surgical site within several weeks, and a subsequent biopsy identified squamous cell carcinoma. Further surgical intervention proved effective, with no recurrence observed 6 months after treatment. This case emphasizes the importance of precise diagnosis and vigilant management in verrucous carcinoma, highlighting the need for clinicians and pathologists to recognize atypical progression, including hybrid variants. Further research is needed to refine diagnostic criteria and therapeutic strategies for this distinctive and unpredictable malignancy.